MY LIFE IN WELLNESS
The TV chef on getting back on her bike after a hysterectomy and the joy of sharing home-cooked meals
Nourish
When my friend [singer] Neneh Cherry and I were broke single parents, we’d turn £15 into meals to last for days. We’d buy a bag of potatoes from the market. I still prefer markets for fresh ingredients.
Investigate
Last year, despite exercising six times a week, I felt shit – something wasn’t right. My GP sent me for an ultrasound and a gynaecologist found 10 fibroids in my womb. They were so large it was like I was five months pregnant. I’ve since had a full hysterectomy.
Recover
I’m an energetic person, but after surgery, I don’t have the extra reserves to draw from. It’s been a lesson in surrendering: you have to respect the time recovery takes and be patient. But it doesn’t come naturally to me. I moved in with [my daughter] Miquita for a period immediately after the procedure so she could look after me – it was a funny role reversal.
Train
I get up at 6am and hop on my Peloton before starting my day. Since my operation I do gentle 20-min sessions and I’m gradually working my way back up to speed. My favourite instructor is Hannah Frankson – she strikes the perfect balance of emotional support and physical motivation. When I work away, I send my Peloton in a van and have it installed wherever I’m staying.
Cook
During my recovery, I’ve not been allowed to lift anything heavy, which means no cooking. I’ve missed our usual rhythm. We’ll have a Sunday roast, then that chicken or lamb bone will go into a pot on Monday. I’ll simmer it with onions, garlic, ginger, chilli and the moodylooking stuff from the bottom drawer in the fridge. People waste food as salad leaves can look a bit sad – but they’re perfect for a stew or soup.
